"Haven't time," said the captain, failing at first to grasp the
situation.

"You tek time, er I 'll put a hole 'n yer jacket," said D'ri.

One of the privates turned quickly and ran. D'ri sent a shot after
him, that only grazed a leg, and he kept on. Then D'ri gave all
attention to his new prisoners. They could see no amusement in
dodging bullets; they threw their arms on the side-hill and sat
down with the others.

The captain swore as he submitted,

"Don't rile yerself," said D'ri; "you need rest."

"No, I don't, nuther," said the captain.

"Ye'll hev t' hev it, anyway," said D'ri.

"This beats h--!" the captain answered, with a laugh.

A feeling of alarm began to spread. The adjutant was standing in a
group of men at headquarters soon after midnight. They were ears
under in the mystery. The escaped soldier came running toward them
out of the dark. He was breathing heavily; his leg was bleeding
and sore.

"Wall, what is it?" the adjutant demanded.